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Chevrolet Camaro Hot Wheels Edition gets SEMA debut

Chevy is putting a limited number of Hot Wheels Edition Camaros into production next year. Photo by Chevrolet

Grown-ups who are still kids at heart should stop by the Chevy display at the 2012 SEMA show in Las Vegas.

On Monday Chevy introduces a production-intent Hot Wheels-inspired Camaro, complete with redline wheels and the famous flaming logo of the 44-year-old toy brand. All models will be coated in special metallic paint color named Kinetic Blue.

“Millions of us grew up playing with Hot Wheels,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “Offering a special production model of the Camaro Hot Wheels is an opportunity to bring those memories to life, for kids of all ages.”

The Chevy Camaro Hot Wheels Edition will be offered in coupe and convertible models, in 2LT V6 and 2SS V8 trims. Automatic SS models will be offered with the 400-hp L99 engines while manual-equipped cars get the 426-hp LS3. V6 coupes get the standard 323-hp, 3.6-liter engine. Dual-mode exhaust is available on both six-cylinder cars but only manual V8s.

Exterior upgrades of the Hot Wheels Edition include the rear spoiler and front upper grille of the Camaro ZL1 and a ground effects kit with a front splitter and rocker panels. Red-ringed 21-inch wheels with black accents pay homage to the 1/64-scale models. A matte stripe stretches from the hood to the rear taillight panel while Hot Wheels logos are displayed on the grille and decklid. The fenders also get Hot Wheels flames graphics.

Inside, the seats are trimmed with black leather and red stitching. The instrument panel and door inserts are black. Those inserts plus the front seats and sill plates all wear the Hot Wheels logo; the red-accented floor mats protect the carpet.

Chevy's MyLink infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen is standard, navigation is optional.

No indication of price was given, but Chevy says the Camaro Hot Wheels Edition will arrive in dealerships early next year, with a limited run of about 1,500 vehicles. The company did add that the number could change depending on customer interest.